Certificate of Environmental Compatibility
Catclaw Solar has received a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility (CEC) to allow for the construction, operation, and maintenance of its proposed 230 kV gen-tie transmission line.
Catclaw Solar CEC
The Catclaw Solar Project involves a new 230 kV gen-tie transmission line and associated substation facilities to connect the Catclaw Solar Project to the regional electrical grid via the existing APS Sun Valley Substation.
A Certificate of Environmental Compatibility (CEC) from the Arizona Corporation Commission and the Arizona Power Plant and Transmission Line Siting Committee (Line Siting Committee) is required to allow for the construction, operation, and maintenance of the project gen-tie. Catclaw Solar submitted a CEC application on April 24, 2023, and received a CEC on August 8, 2023.
As part of the CEC process, Catclaw Solar studied the environmental setting of the proposed route for the project gen-tie, solicited public input, and presented the project to the Arizona Power Plant and Transmission Line Siting Committee during a public hearing on June 7 and 8, 2023.
CEC Requirements and Permitting Authority
A CEC is required for new transmission lines that operate at or above 115 kV and have “a series of structures.” The Arizona Corporation Commission and Line Siting Committee are the state permitting authorities for CECs.
The Line Siting Committee held a public hearing for the CEC application on June 7 and 8, 2023. During the public hearing, the Line Siting Committee heard evidence from Catclaw Solar, deliberated, and voted to approve a CEC for the project gen-tie. In voting to approve the CEC, the Committee recommended that the Arizona Corporation Commission issue a final approval for the CEC. On August 8, 2023, the Arizona Corporation Commission approved the CEC.
Catclaw Solar submitted its first annual Compliance Certification to the CEC in October 2024.
Key documents related to the CEC process, including the final CEC, are available on this webpage.
Community Master Plan and Zoning Amendment
Catclaw Solar has received a Community Master Plan (CMP) and Zoning Amendment to allow for the construction, operation, and maintenance of its proposed up to 250MW solar PV Plant.
The project was required to obtain approval of a Community Master Plan update and zoning amendment with the City of Buckeye. The CMP provisions of the Buckeye Development Code are established to permit and encourage innovative land development while maintaining appropriate limitations on the character and intensity of use and assuring compatibility with adjoining and nearby properties. The Zoning Amendment established a text amendment to the original CMP for the site, allowing solar development as an allowed use.
The Buckeye City Council considered the CMP and Zoning Amendment during duly noticed public hearings on May 7, 2024 and May 21, 2024. On May 21, 2024, the City Council voted to approve the CMP and the Zoning Amendment.
Arizona Department of Agriculture Notice of Intent to Clear Land
Catclaw Solar has received an approved Notice of Intent to Clear Land to allow for the construction of its proposed up to 250MW solar PV Plant.
Catclaw Solar was required to obtain approval of Notice of Intent to Clear Land from the AZ Department of Agriculture (AZDA). Approval from the AZDA is required for the removal of Native Plants under Title 3, Ch. 3, Section 11 of the Arizona Administrative Code and Title 3 Chapter 7 of the Arizona Revised Statutes.
Catclaw Solar filed its Notice of Intent on November 11, 2024. The AZDA issued approval number 2677 on November 11, 2024 allowing commencement of land clearing on January 15, 2025.